Nominations come in for 2014 Diamond Awards

For the second year in a row, the Newcastle Chamber of Commerce’s Diamond Awards will be an elegant evening affair, hosted at The Golf Club at Newcastle.

Nominations are already coming in for the Nov. 20 ceremony that honors Newcastle’s top community members. Get to know some of the nominees below, and be sure to cast your nominations at www.newcastle-chamber.org.

Jenna Boerboom — Community Leadership Award

Jenna Boerboom, Newcastle Apple Physical Therapy’s former clinic director, is nominated for the Community Leadership Award for her positive attitude and devotion to the Newcastle chamber. She is actively involved on the chamber board, supporting its events and serving as a friendly point person when registering members at chamber functions.

Her great attitude is an inspiration to all, her smile is infectious, and her caring attitude is felt and appreciated. In working at Newcastle Apple Physical Therapy, she has been devoted to her clients and employees, and is always willing to help in whatever way she can.

Vicki Heck — Dennis Yarnell Inspiration Award

Vicki Heck, a librarian at the Newcastle Library, is nominated for the Dennis Yarnell Inspiration Award, because of her strong commitment to the community. Her work to thoughtfully bring all sorts of groups together within the community is an inspiration. Her energy and planning in programming to draw teens makes Newcastle a warmer place.

Heck is always looking for ways to build stronger communities, using public libraries as platforms for public discourse, community activism, intellectual freedom, lifelong learning, literacy and equal access to information (and entertainment) for all. She represents the King County Library System well, always attending events in Newcastle, showing her passion for the city.

Chris Ware — Business Award

Chris Ware, owner of Dolce Vita Salon and Nail Spa, works tirelessly to provide benefits and education to her staff members to ensure they are fulfilled in their work. She promotes her staff and lets them shine through her posts on social media.

She is also actively involved in her community and seeks ways to help other businesses. She is an active member of the Newcastle Chamber of Commerce and attends most events in order to promote her business. She is also passionate about supporting other local businesses and encouraging fellow Newcastle residents to do the same. She seeks nonprofit groups to provide support to them as she is able.

Christina Corrales-Toy — Customer Service Award

Christina Corrales-Toy

Christina Corrales-Toy, Newcastle News reporter, demonstrates great care for the Newcastle community and goes above and beyond to tell great stories to educate the public. She continues to learn about the community and goes to many events both within and around the community. Christina works to engage residents and get them involved in community events. She is ethical in her work and upholds the standards of the journalistic professionalism.